Dynamic-mechanical and thermomechanical properties of cellulose nanofiber/polyester resin composites

Author

AlessandraLavorattiaLisete CristineScienzabAdemir JoséZatteraa

a

Post-graduate Program in Engineering of Processes and Technologies (PGEPROTEC), Laboratory of Polymers (LPOL), University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), 95070-490 Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil

b

Department of Materials (DEMAT) Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), BP 15010, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Received 3 August 2015, Revised 2 October 2015, Accepted 3 October 2015, Available online 9 October 2015.

Highlights

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Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were obtained by grinding without further purification.

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Eucalyptus sp. pulp had the highest crystallinity and α-cellulose content.

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Eucalyptus sp. CNFs (CNF-E) reinforced composites had lower water absorption.

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The dynamic-mechanical and thermal properties of CNF-E composites were improved.

Abstract

Composites of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) obtained from dry cellulose waste of softwood (Pinus sp.) and hardwood (Eucalyptus sp.) were developed. The fiber properties and the influence of the CNFs in the dynamic-mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the composites were evaluated. CNFs with a diameter of 70–90 nm were obtained. Eucalyptus sp. has higher α-cellulose content than Pinus sp. fibers. The crystallinity of the cellulose pulps decreased after grinding. However, high values were still obtained. The chemical composition of the fibers was not significantly altered by the grinding process. Eucalyptus sp. CNF composites had water absorption close to the neat resin at 1 wt% filler. The dynamic-mechanical properties of Eucalyptus sp. CNFs were slightly increased and the thermal stability was improved.

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